Save Article

BHP's Rio Options Look Limited

Will BHP Billiton ride to the rescue of Rio Tinto's disgruntled shareholders looking for an alternative to the mining giant's $19.5 billion deal with China Aluminum Corp.?

BHP certainly senses an opportunity to take advantage from its rival's predicament. But it also sees a threat, fearing Chinese influence at Rio could destabilize the cozy oligopoly that dominates the iron ore market. So it's no surprise BHP has teams of advisers trying to find a way to prise apart the deal.